taken 10 years ago, near to Graignagower, Deerpark Bridge and Ballymacarbery, Waterford, Ireland

This run-down looking two-bedroom cottage was for sale in August 2007, for €90,000. It has since been renovated, including exposing the stonework (which just looks like stone-cladding) and removing the lovely original windows (the last ones remaining in this row of six cottages), whilst the modern front door has been retained. Can be seen on Google street view here: Link

The character that a row of cottages like this can bring to a streetscene is immeasurable and irreplaceable. If people want to live in modern houses, there are plenty of them available, leaving older properties to be restored sensitively by those who really appreciate them.